Tech

Is this Apple's Google Maps Replacement for iOS 6? [REPORT]

We've already heard Apple is working on an in-house app that will rid itself of Google's mapping data. Now pictures of Apple's 3D map app have popped up online, ahead of its expected launch this summer along with the company's iOS 6 software update.

Tech site BGR has acquired some images — albeit blurry ones — that appear to show Apple's new map app. The feature is expected to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) in June, along with iOS 6.

Moving away from Google Maps, which has been included on iOS devices since the launch of the original iPhone, Apple is expected to incorporate a 3D map view into its new app. Since the company purchased 3D-mapping company C3 Technologies last year, this would be a natural implementation of that technology. As BGR noted, the tech has already been incorporated into the beta version of the new iOS software.

Building an in-house mapping app has been on the company's radar for quite some time. In fact, it purchased mapping company Placebase in 2009. Besides the telltale acquisitions, Apple publicly said it was creating its own traffic database last year, and it opted not to use Google map data in the iPhoto app for iPad released in March.

According to BGR, the iPhone version of Apple's new maps app will include a "locate me" feature similar to Google's Maps app for Android devices. To go in and out of 3D mode, the images show you have to peel back the right lower corner of Maps (like you would turn a page). There will also be an icon to switch it and out of 3D mode.

Would you use this map app? Is it better than Google Maps? Let us know in the comments.

2004: New Displays

2005: Intel Transition

Jobs announced in 2005 that all Macs would start rolling out with Intel processors. This opened the door for the first Macbook Pros, released a few months later. Apple's Leopard was the last OS X iteration to support Power PC processors.

2008: App Store, iPhone 3G

While the iPhone was announced a year earlier, it didn't really live up to its full potential until the App Store was released in 2008. The store was launched the same day as the new phone operating system, and the same day the iPhone 3G went on sale, leading to problems for Apple's servers.

2009: 13" Macbook Pro Unibody

2010: iPhone 4

2010's WWDC was a huge year for Apple, as they announced the iPhone 4, which changed both the hardware and software designs of the iPhone. That year, they also announced FaceTime video chat software for both the phone and the Mac OS, as well as iMovie for iPhone.

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